No New Food Continues....

[dalthauser]

Ugh - why did I make this bet with myself.  I dusted off the soymilk maker and made soymilk last night.  I haven't done that in ages (only when I get the urge to make tofu which is almost never).  I don't like homemade soymilk as much as storebought, but it's so much cheaper (3 ounces of soybeans makes 1.5 quarts).  

Comments

Curious

[sahlah.livejournal.com]

Will you explain how it goes from beans to milk? I looked at the picture and tried to imagine, but have no idea. Do you take the milk to make tofu?

Re: Curious

[eats-veggies.livejournal.com]

When you use the machine it's much easier and less messy because it's temp controlled. You can do it in a pot, but it requires you to constantly monitor it.

You put the soaked beans in a hopper that attaches to a food processer blade (I'll post a picture of it Tuesday when I come back to work). You put water in the main canister. When you start the cycle it first heats the water - then the "blender" kicks in and processes the beans at a high speed. The holes in the hopper are so tiny that only the "milk" part can go through and into the chamber to combine with the rest of the water. When it's done the okara is left in the hopper and the milk in the canister. I add salt, sugar, and vanilla to the milk to make it taste more like store bought. If I have time I will send the milk through cheesecloth to get out any of the smallest particles left over (but it's not necessary - just makes it taste more like storebought).

For tofu you add a coagulating agent, stir, then wait for it to start separating into curds. You then pour it into a mold which is lined with cheesecloth. It strains and becomes the tofu. This is my favorite type of tofu by far, but I am lazy and rarely make it.

Re: Curious

[sahlah.livejournal.com]

That is very interesting. Any uses for the okara? Do you compost it if you don't do edible things with it?

I love tofu. I had some this week that I stir-fried with a little soy sauce and sesame oil and lots of broccoli! I've never experienced really fresh tofu. I bet it is wonderful.

How long is the total process for soy milk?

Re: Curious

[eats-veggies.livejournal.com]

The soymilk maching runs for about 40 minutes or so. I usually just compost the okara. I usually make veggie burger patties with it, but I haven't been in the mood for those lately.

In Japan they have little kiosks in big department stores for fresh tofu. They make it onsite. It's the best stuff. I really miss Japan in so many ways.

[onecrowesorrow.livejournal.com]

I love tofu and all soya products. I've never thought of making my own milk before. You are really ambitious!

[eats-veggies.livejournal.com]

I also grow soybeans in the summer.... haha. I never dry those though - I always use them for edamame.

[k2rider78.livejournal.com]

Wow I think you're very cool. How long does it take to make the Tofu?
How did everything taste?

[eats-veggies.livejournal.com]

Tofu sets in a few hours. I like homemade tofu much better than storebought. It's not as custard-like.

Homemade soymilk is watery tasting, and if you use less water it's beany tasting. Frustrating. I go for beany tasting and add stuff to offset it. Homemade soymilk is good for cooking though. I made a mean cream of spinach soup using it.